Revised Years 1–4 literacy and numeracy curriculum to be taught in 90 schools from the new school term

Years 1 to 4 students from 90 schools will have a new literacy and numeracy curriculum from the new term starting from 11th April.

While launching the new curriculum, Minister for Education, Premila Kumar says they will roll out the revised curriculum using a phased approach.

She says over 12,000 students will benefit from Phase 1 of the rollout.

Kumar says students with disabilities from 28 inclusive schools and 4 special schools are also included in this first phase.

The Minister adds trials for Years 5-8 will take place in 2023 with the simultaneous roll out of the Years 1-4 curriculum in all primary schools.

She says Fijian students deserve a contemporary curriculum that builds strong foundations for literacy and numeracy, a curriculum that engages, and inspires them to become life-long learners, and a curriculum that provides access to the knowledge, understanding and skills for future pathways in changing worlds of work.

She has highlighted early childhood and primary education are fundamental to better positioning students to excel in secondary and post-secondary education, and of course in the workplace.

Kumar also says with the support of the Australian Government, the Ministry of Education has reviewed and updated the early primary level literacy and numeracy curriculum, ensuring that it aligns with Fiji’s National Curriculum Framework and addresses learning gaps.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes says access to quality education is every child’s right and critical to improving livelihoods, enabling poor and marginalized persons to participate in the economy and lifting living standards.

He says Australia is pleased to support Fiji’s continuous advancements in education, including regular updates to the curriculum and ongoing professional development for teachers.

A joint statement by the Education Ministry and the Australian High Commission says to further support the curriculum rollout, a coaching model for ‘champion’ teachers in participating schools is being implemented and supplemented by the use of professional development materials, learning and teaching resources such as literacy and numeracy booster kits.

Feakes also handed over booster kits, which includes books, assessment materials and other teaching aides.

Kumar has thanked Fijian teachers for their dedicated commitment to the development of Fiji’s future leaders through education.